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F1 pre-seasong testing: McLaren impressive as Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo finish P2 and P7 on Day 1

Subham Jindal
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F1 pre-seasong testing: McLaren impressive as Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo finish P2 and P7 on Day 1

F1 pre-season testing: McLaren was impressive in their return with Mercedes engines as Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo finished P2 and P7 on Day 1 at Bahrain.

Daniel Ricciardo has been quite a journeyman in Formula 1. He has raced for Hispania, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault, and now McLaren. Yet to win a title, Ricciardo is looking to take himself and McLaren to the top of the podium.

Still looking strong as ever, and at the age of 31, championship victory is not off the cards. He started his campaign off with his new team with Day 1 of the pre-season testing at Bahrain. Driving in the morning session, the Australian ended the day with a commendable P7 finish.

“It was really good to get back out in the car for my first proper session with McLaren. I was able to push the car a little bit and get more familiar with it. It was a smooth morning, everything ran well and that’s all you can ask in testing – you want reliability on your side and the team back in Woking has done an awesome job of giving us a great start on day one.

“We got a good amount of runs and laps done, with a focus on getting more and more familiar and comfortable in the car. The plan for the next few days is similar, we’re aiming to leave here feeling ready to go for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Happy days!”

Lando Norris glad to be back!

Ricciardo’s partner Lando Norris had a wonderful start to racing last season, finishing on the podium of the Austrian Grand Prix. This season, albeit in pre-season testing, the Brit has kicked things off with a banger. A P2 finish with only Max Verstappen faster bodes well for the McLaren team looking to end a painful wait for a title this decade.

“It’s quite a shock to feel the speed of a Formula 1 car again, it’s been a while since I’ve had that sensation. We’ll sit down and review everything this evening, but it’s been a solid first day. Thanks to everyone both here and back at the factory for all the hard work and making it such a smooth first day’s running.”

Read more: “Lando is the more experienced” – Daniel Ricciardo eager to learn from McLaren teammate Lando Norris

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Subham Jindal

Subham Jindal

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A Red - be it Manchester United or Ferrari. Hails from the hills of Kalimpong, Darjeeling. Aspiring to become a respected Sports Management professional.

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